Thyristors - SCRs

Thyristors - SCRs - Modules

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	MSFC110-16 Microsemi	POWER MOD THYRISTOR/DIODE F1	0
	MSTC160-16 Microsemi	POWER MOD THYRISTOR/DIODE T2	0
	MSFC160-16 Microsemi	POWER MOD THYRISTOR/DIODE F2	0
	MSDT100-16 Microsemi	PWR MOD THYRISTOR 1600V 100V SM4	0
	MSDT150-16 Microsemi	POWER MOD BRIDGE THY 3PH M5	0
	MSTC110-16 Microsemi	POWER MOD THYRISTOR/DIODE T1	0
	MSTC25-16 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE 25A SF1	0
	MSFC25-12 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE DBLR 25A SF1	0
	MSDT200-16 Microsemi	PWR MOD THYRISTOR 1600V 200V SM4	0
	MSTC130-12 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DOUBLER 130A D1	0
	MSTC40-16 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE 40A SF1	0
	MSTC60-16 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE 60A SF1	0
	MSFC90-16 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE DBLR 90A SF1	0
	MSTC90-08 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE 90A SF1	0
	MSTC90-16 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE 90A SF1	0
	MSFC130-16 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE DBLR 130A D1	0
	MSFC160-12 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE DBLR 160A D1	0
	MSFC130-08 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE DBLR 130A D1	0
	MSTC130-08 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DOUBLER 130A D1	0
	MSTC40-08 Microsemi	MOD THYRISTOR DIODE 40A SF1	0

Thyristors - SCRs - Modules

1. Overview

Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs) are four-layer (PNPN) semiconductor devices that act as controlled switches for high-power applications. As key members of the thyristor family, SCR modules enable precise control of electrical power in industrial systems. Their ability to handle high voltages (>6000V) and currents (>5000A) makes them indispensable in power electronics, particularly for AC/DC conversion, motor speed control, and load management systems.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Single-phase SCR Module	Compact design with integrated snubber circuitry	Single-phase motor controllers, heating systems
Three-phase SCR Module	6-pack configuration for 3-phase power control	Variable frequency drives, industrial furnaces
Reverse-Conducting SCR (RC-SCR)	Integrated freewheeling diode for inductive loads	Traction converters, welding equipment
Light-Triggered SCR (LTSCR)	Optical gate activation for high-noise environments	High-voltage DC transmission systems
SCR Power Stack Module	Multi-chip parallel configuration for extreme currents	Electrolysis plants, large motor soft starters

3. Structure and Composition

Typical SCR module construction includes:

Die-level PNPN junction semiconductor (silicon base)
DBC (Direct Bonded Copper) substrate for thermal management
Gate control circuit with trigger transformer isolation
Press-pack or soldered housing with IP54 protection rating
Dielectric cooling interface ( silicone pad or phase-change material)

Advanced modules integrate temperature sensors and MOV-based overvoltage protection.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range	Importance
Rated Repetitive Peak Voltage (VRRM)	600V - 6500V	Determines maximum operating voltage
Rated Average On-state Current (ITAV)	25A - 3000A	Defines continuous load capacity
Gate Trigger Current (IGT)	50 A - 50mA	Affects control circuit design
dv/dt Capability	10-500 V/ s	Indicates immunity to voltage spikes
Thermal Resistance (Rth)	0.01-0.5 K/W	Impacts cooling requirements

5. Application Fields

Primary industries utilizing SCR modules:

Industrial: Motor drives (cranes, mills), welding machines, heating controllers
Energy: HVDC transmission, static VAR compensators, battery charging systems
Transportation: Traction converters for trains, EV charging stations
Utilities: Smart grid power flow controllers, uninterruptible power supplies

Case Study: 3 MW wind turbine converter using 1700V/1200A SCR modules achieves 98.5% conversion efficiency.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
ABB	5SNA 2400K170300	1700V/2400A, press-pack design, 50kA short-circuit rating
ON Semiconductor	CM400HA-34H	1600V/400A, hockey puck package, <2V forward voltage
Infineon	B25801-A1047	1200V/800A, integrated heat sink, RoHS compliant
Mitsubishi Electric	PM100CL1A-120	1200V/100A, low inductance package, 150 C operating temp

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

Derate ITAV by 20-30% for safety margin
Select VRRM 1.5 system peak voltage
Match gate drive circuit to IGT specifications
Consider thermal interface material (TIM) performance
Verify short-circuit withstand capability

Recommend consulting manufacturer's SOA (Safe Operating Area) curves for critical applications.

Industry Trends

Emerging developments:

SiC-based SCR prototypes enabling 3 higher switching frequencies
Smart power modules with embedded current/voltage sensors
Double-sided cooling packages reducing thermal resistance by 40%
Grid-forming SCR systems for renewable energy integration
Lead-free packaging compliant with REACH regulations